$1.1M Spent On Gov. Edwards’ Inauguration And Transition

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — La. Gov. John Bel Edwards spent about $1.1 million on his inauguration festivities and other transition expenses as he prepared to take office.

By law, Edwards was required to pay for transition and inauguration activities with private donations, not taxpayer funds, with a cap of $5,000 per donor. He had to disclose details about the donations and spending with the state ethics administration office.

The Advocate reports that Edwards documented raising $1.4 million to pay for his inauguration events and his transition office during the 51 days between Election Day and his entrance into office. He didn't report spending the full amount.

Edwards defeated Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter in the Nov. 21 runoff and took office in January.

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